JP Reads, an annual program aimed at getting the whole neighborhood to read and interact over a single book, is returning this year with a big guest. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and part-time Boston resident Junot Díaz will come to Jamaica Plain in October for an author talk. Díaz’s debut, “Drown,” a collection of interlocking...

A two-vehicle crash on the Arborway on Sept. 6 sent six victims to local hospitals, including two teenagers in critical condition, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s (DA) Office and the State Police. Around 2 p.m. on Sept. 6, a 2003 Mazda SUV traveling westbound on the Arborway between the Casey Overpass and...

The Home for Little Wanderers, formerly based out of a large facility at 161 S. Huntington Ave., has come out in support of the proposed redevelopment of that site by the Boston Residential Group (BRG). “The Home was and remains pleased to have engaged in the sale of this property with BRG because they...

I’ve already said this an embarrassing number of times in the past several months, but the pool of candidates pitching to be the next mayor of Boston is an extraordinarily gifted gaggle. Even as someone who takes pride in his significant disdain for anybody arrogant enough to seek such a mighty crown, I’ve found...

FOREST HILLS—Developers for the Commons at Forest Hills project proposed at 3593-3615 Washington St. and the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) have extended the community comment period to Oct. 11. A second community meeting has been scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at English High School. The developers, John M. Corcoran and Company...

The completion of the Route 39 bus improvement project has been delayed because drainage structures at some “bump-out” curb extensions could not be relocated, according to MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo. The project was expected to be substantially completed around Labor Day, Pesaturo previously told the Gazette. The delay affects stops at Curtis Hall, 20...

Mayor Thomas Menino this week announced a plan to build 30,000 units of housing in the City of Boston by the year 2020. An advisory panel and three working groups have been convened to advise Menino on Housing Boston 2020, the City’s new blueprint for housing strategy. Those advisory groups include JCurtis Kemeny, CEO...

PARKSIDE—The Laurel Ridge Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center at 174 Forest Hill St., which was recently bought by the Sheehan Health Group, is undergoing a $1 million renovation. “It’s pretty extensive,” said Patrick Sheehan, owner of Sheehan Health Group, while giving the Gazette a tour of the renovations. The 120-bed facility is having its...